Royal Black encourages Scots to vote ‘No’ in referendum

Sovereign Grand Master Millar Farr

The Royal Black Institution has come out strongly against independence in Scotland and urges all of its members there to vote ‘No’ in the referendum on September 18.

The pro-Union sentiments are expressed in one of three resolutions to be proposed by the Institution at Saturday’s six demonstrations in Northern Ireland – Rathfriland. Armagh, Ballyclare, Londonderry, Donemana and Larne.

In the constitutional resolution, the Institution reaffirms allegiance to the British Crown and the structures that form the basis of UK democracy.

“Therefore, as Royal Black Knights, we resolve to remain part of the United Kingdom. We strongly encourage our members in Scotland, and their families and friends, to show clearly in the September 18 referendum that they wish to remain an integral part of the United Kingdom,” says the resolution.

The faith resolution states: “We the members of the Royal Black Institution are taught to remember that our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ came to this world not to be served but to serve. He gave himself on the cross of Calvary as a once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins.

“We call upon our members and their families to respond to the service and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ by surrendering their lives to Him in repentance and faith, to live a life of service and sacrifice to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to our Reformed faith, which is Christ-centred and Bible-based.”

In the loyalty resolution, the Institution states: “This year we remember the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Countless people from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth lost their lives in this appalling conflict, in which they fought to protect ‘King and Country’ and we must not forget their sacrifice.

“In the battlefields of Europe, they carried out their duty with little regard for themselves... We owe them all a great debt of gratitude, we will remember them.”